Page 9 - BSAM 2017 Q4

Commitment Commitment means an interest that is sustained over time, as well as a level of passion that allows it to compete with other interests and distractions, so that working on your bonsai can be at the top of your priority list on a regular basis, or at the very least, when your trees need it.ResourcesResources means that although fne bonsai can be produced on a modest budget, plant material, tools, containers and supplies all consume a certain amount of capital, and proper display of bonsai that might include a display stand and a companion plant, stone, artifact or hanging art will consume more. Tese are things that can be acquired gradually and incrementally, but eventually those who develop bonsai come to understand that a quality bonsai begins with quality plant material, quality tools of the right kind, and the ability of a good quality container to enhance it. Part of commitment to bonsai is a willingness to invest—to the degree one’s budget allows—the resources necessary to advance the tree’s development.AcquisitionAcquisition refers to how or where a bonsai or plant material is obtained. Despite anecdotes of fnding a bonsai treasure in the discard pile of the local nursery, a good bonsai almost always starts with a healthy, good quality plant.A good bonsai, or even good bonsai material, is best purchased “in person”, where it can be thoroughly examined, including the root base, and its health and design possibilities confrmed. Bonsai club sales can be a good source, particularly if the trees ofered were part of the estate of an accomplished grower. Otherwise, use a critical eye in your evaluation, keeping in mind that the person getting rid of the bonsai is doing so for a reason. Recommended sources are reputable bonsai nurseries, vendors at bonsai conventions, and reputable collectors of wild material who hold collected plants for at least a year before selling. If in doubt about whether a given bonsai or plant is a good candidate for your collection, enlist the help of an experienced, successful member of the local bonsai club to assist with your evaluation.Top; Water when your trees need it.Middle; Although fne bonsai can be produced on a modest budget, plant material, tools, containers and supplies all consume a certain amount of capital.Lower middle and bottom; Recommended sources are reputable bonsai nurseries, vendors at bonsai conventions, and reputable collectors of wild material who hold collected plants for at least a year before selling.